At the Back Five, the land itself became a classroom this summer as Wisdom of the Elders and Blueprint Foundation came together for an innovative Earth Sculpting project. Youth from the community stepped into boots, gloves, and a new perspective — one where shaping the land goes hand-in-hand with restoring its health.
The work wasn’t just about moving soil or placing plants. Guided by environmental scientists, forestry mentors, and cultural educators, participants learned how topography affects water flow, how native species create balance in ecosystems, and how forestry practices can support climate resilience. Layered into every lesson was ITEK — Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge — grounding the science in cultural values and centuries-old wisdom about living in harmony with the earth.
By the end of the program, youth weren’t only sculpting the ground beneath their feet — they were shaping a deeper understanding of the connections between people, culture, and the environment. In the process, they discovered that caring for the land is one of the most powerful ways to care for the future.